Be mindful of your sweets

It was another busy weekend at the Thomas house; full of fun and physical activity, despite the rainy weekend, and good fall food of course!!!

I started the weekend off right with my 9am boot camp class! I am LOVING this class!!! It's been a long time since I've participated in a class that challenges me. The group of ladies that joins me are all different shapes, sizes, and ages, but we all have 1 common goal every Saturday, and that's to get in a good hard workout and to motivate each other! Here's a brief look at what this week entailed.

The pictures aren't the best, and most of the participants are in mid-position, but it will give you an idea of some exercises you can use in your own workout routine.

Top: lunges between each station. Bottom: side plank with lateral raises

Top: Abduction leg raises with lateral arm raises. Bottom: oblique twists

Top: tricep extensions (make sure to keep elbows in on these!) Bottom: wall sits and hamstring curls with resistance band.

If you live in the Buford/ Flowery Branch area and are looking for an AWESOME personal trainer, contact me. The trainer that teaches my class, Derek, comes very highly recommended!!!

After hitting the gym hard we slipped on some costumes to celebrate one of my best friend's dad's birthday. And what better way to ring in your birthday than with a toga party!!!

Happy Birthday Greg!!!

You Cortner siblings sure do know how to make a girl feel short hehehe

The company was amazing, the costumes were adorable, and the food was wonderful!! Being that it was Greek themed there were a lot of Mediterranean foods such as: vegetables, cheeses, olives, hummus, etc. The Mediterranean diet is very healthy and rich in omegas and vitamins! Their diet is usually lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats like fish and olives and rich in vitamins and minerals due to the large variety of vegetables they consume. If you are looking to make a healthy change in your diet, consider adding more of these foods into you daily routine.





Now let me switch gears for a moment and talk about this sweet tooth little miss Jordan has given me lately. I'm not craving rich sweets like cakes, pies, etc. But I get the craving once a day for a little something sweet whether it be a piece of dark chocolate or a small scoop of plain vanilla frozen yogurt. Rather than indulge in all the crazy high fat and calorie desserts, I have opted for a few of my holiday favorites that are not necessarily healthy, but are a much smarter choice.

Every year my mom makes chocolate covered pretzels. We started the tradition back when I was in highschool and they were such a hit she has made them every year since. She gave me my little box a few weeks ago ( you notice I say "my" box and not "ours" hehe, I didn't share with Josh) and while they lasted a good 2 weeks in my freezer, my craving for them has lasted much longer! So I took it upon my self to make my own batch.

 

They are SO simple to make and the coating of chocolate is so light they are much lower in calories than the store bought kind. I like to keep them in my freezer and grab about 5-6 each night after dinner. That satisfies my dessert craving but also keeps my calories in check!

Recipe:

1-1lb bag of mini salted pretzels
1- 24oz package of baking chocolate (dark or white)

Place the package of chocolate in a large microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave for about 3 minutes or until completely melted. Dump the bag of pretzels into your chocolate, stir with a spoon and then spread  onto wax paper. Let cool and EAT!


Another favorite winter dessert of mine is steamed cinnamon apples with vanilla ice cream and Kashi cereal. The mix of warm apples with cold ice cream and the crunch of the cereal is perfect! And the best part is this dessert actually has some nutritional value. You can't go wrong choosing fruit for dessert, and cinnamon is known to help lower your blood sugar and LDL levels (that's the bad cholesterol)!

Recipe:

-1 small apple of your choice, sliced
-A dash of cinnamon
-1/4 cup of  frozen low-fat vanilla  ice cream or frozen yogurt
- 1/2 handful of Kashi Crunch cereal or granola

Place your sliced apples in a microwave safe bowl with about 2-3 TBSP of water. Sprinkle your apples with cinnamon, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until apples are soft. Pour out any extra water and top your apples with your ice cream or yogurt and cereal. DELICIOUS!

Don't let the rain stop you from getting your workout in! Go to the gym or choose a workout video to do in your living room today!





2 Babies are better than 1 !!!

I have been patiently waiting to share some VERY exciting news with the world! I posted a while back about my fall trip to visit my best friend, AKA my sister Alicia, at her new place in Arlington, Virginia. Well, what I didn't post is that when I got there she had a very sweet little gift waiting for me.

In case you didn't catch on as quickly as I did, let me break it down for you.... I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!
That's right, not only am I going to be a mom, but two months after delivering my own little mini-me, my sister will be delivering my little niece or nephew!!! Baby Haygood is due June 8, 2014!!

It has been SO amazing to go through such an exciting time with my sister. We talk nearly every day about all of our wonderful pregnancy symptoms, our Dr appointments, milestone, etc. And best of all, we both have someone to bitch to who understands what the other is going through!! It has really made this time in my life so much more special.

I have to take some time to do a little bragging about my big sis as well. This past Saturday she ran her first 5K ever and at 13 weeks pregnant no less! She kicked ass!!!

Left to right: Gale (Alicia's mother-in-law) Alicia, Corey (her husband and baby daddy hehe )

She's done a great job at maintaining a healthy workout routine during her pregnancy. Still not convinced it's all that important? Read this article and see if your views change!
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/11/11/exercise-during-pregnancy-can-boost-your-babys-brain/

And while you're at it check out some low intensity pregnancy moves you can do at home using your balance ball! This lady has several other videos as well; check them all out! Balance balls are great for core training because no matter what muscle you are working you are always working your core with it to maintain your balance.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVZnVbTxgz0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DZVZnVbTxgz0


Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving!! And a very Happy Chanukah to all who celebrate!

Chance LOVES to open presents! He loves his Chanukah penguin.

We were so full after Thanksgiving day, so I made a light lunch of matzo ball soup and potato latkes for lunch on Friday.

There's that bump! My sister-in-law is very excited about her little niece!

Turkey Time!

This year might be the first year that I can out eat anyone and everyone at the Thanksgiving table, especially since these awesome maternity pants give a lot of extra room for stretching! Hehehe. But there is no reason to overdo it just because the food is front of me, or because I'm pregnant, and neither should you! Studies have shown that the average person consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 calories during a Thanksgiving meal, not including what you snack and sip on during the day. Here are few Thanksgiving tips that will keep you happy and keep your pants buttoned, whether you're pregnant or not, but still allow you to enjoy all the wonderful food!

1) Start your holiday morning out with a quick 45 minute workout. Whether it's a brisk walk, a short yoga session, or a full body circuit, getting a quick workout in before you stuff your face will get your metabolism moving!

2) Eat light!! If you are having a Thanksgiving dinner take it easy during the day! Whip up an egg white omelet and piece of fruit for breakfast. Keep lunch light with a broth based soup or light salad. My sister makes a wonderful pumpkin soup every year that we eat for lunch to hold us over until dinner. It's light on the stomach, but enough to keep your belly satisfied.

3) Try a new low fat recipe! We all have our family traditions and Thanksgiving favorites, but there is no reason we have to make them "Paula Dean Style"! Search for alternatives to your favorite recipes on cookinglight.com. Something as simple has replacing eggs with egg substitute can cut back on the calories, fat, and cholesterol while still giving you that traditional taste you love!

4) Thinking about going back for seconds? Be wise when going back for more! Instead of reaching for another scoop of grandma's sweet potato casserole and gravy smothered dressing, grab a second helping of veggies and a glass of water. It takes the body a full 15-20 minutes after you finish eating to feel satiety. So instead of going back for seconds right away, take a breather and drink a tall glass of water.

5) Minimize the mimosas! I'll be completely minimizing the mimosas this year (insert sad face). But the rest of you can enjoy your booze IN MODERATION!!!! Those extra cocktails add A LOT of extra calories to your Thanksgiving meal. So keep it light and sip on water most of the day so you can enjoy your favorite beer or wine during your Thanksgiving meal or while cheering on your favorite team!

6) Share a dessert plate. There are so many pies and sweet treats to choose from!  How can you pick just one?! Instead of dishing out a piece of each pie, share a dessert plate with someone. Having a bite or two of a few favorites  rather than eating  full helpings will satisfy your taste buds and keep your calories somewhat in check.

Here are a few healthy alternative recipes I have used in the past:

"I Can't Believe It's Not Sweet Potato Casserole"
http://www.hungry-girl.com/show/holiday-i-cant-believe-its-not-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe

Ingredients

• 8 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
• 2/3 cup light vanilla soymilk
• 2/3 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
• 1/2 cup Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated), or HG Alternative!
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8" X 10" baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Fill a large microwave-safe dish with 1/2 inch of water. Add squash and cover. Microwave for about 8 minutes -- squash should be tender enough to mash, but not overcooked. Drain well.

Mash squash thoroughly with a potato masher, food processor, or fork, but do not puree. (Squash should be pulpy.) Add soymilk, syrup, sweetener, salt, egg substitute, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. (Adding the ingredients in this order gives the squash enough time to cool before adding the egg substitute, which could begin to "cook" if added too early.) Mix thoroughly, but do not over-stir.

Transfer mixture to the baking pan. Bake in the oven until mostly firm, 45 - 50 minutes.

Top with mini marshmallows. Return to the oven and bake until marshmallows begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool before serving!
MAKES 8 SERVINGS



Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
 http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-50400000116756/

I decreased the calories and sugar even more by substituting the whole eggs with egg substitute and using sugar-free syrup rather than regular maple syrup.


Caramel Pumpkin Pudding Cupcakes
These are one of my favorite Thanksgiving treats.  Only 100 calories per cupcake!!!!
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/14406_Hungry_Girl_s_Caramel_Pumpkin_Pudding_Cupcakes/index.html

INGREDIENTS

• For cupcakes:
• 2 cups moist-style yellow cake mix (1/2 of an 18.25-ounce box)
• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 1/3 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• For topping:
• 3 cubes (about 1 ounce) chewy caramel
• 2 teaspoons light vanilla soy milk

PREPARATION

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Combine all cupcake ingredients in a mixing bowl with 13 cup of water. Whip with a whisk or fork for 2 minutes until well blended.

Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray or line with baking cups. Evenly spoon batter into muffin cups. Place pan in the oven and cook for about 12 minutes (until cupcakes have puffed up but still appear a little gooey on top). Once cupcakes are cool enough to handle, arrange them closely on a plate so that the edges are touching.

Place caramel and soymilk in a tall microwave-safe glass or dish (mixture will bubble and rise when heated).

Microwave at medium power for 1 minutes. Stir mixture vigorously until smooth and thoroughly blended. (Return to microwave for 30 seconds at medium heat if caramel has not fully melted.) Immediately drizzle caramel sauce over cupcakes.

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING!!!!

IT'S A.........!!!!!!

It was quite a fun weekend at the Thomas house! Josh and I ended the work week on Friday with dinner with some great friends. I treated myself to a few chicken wings, so Saturday morning we hit the gym hard! I had an AMAZING 2 hour workout!!! I did an hour long circuit training session with a new trainer at my gym followed by an hour of power yoga with my favorite instructor. It felt SO good to pump it out hard in a new class. I think this is going to be my new Saturday routine. Josh hit the gym hard as well with a few of his friends. Needless to say we are both VERY sore, I'm not sure who is waddling around worse. hahaha

After our workouts Saturday we got the house ready for our  gender reveal party!!!! It was an absolute blast!!! It would have been even more fun if I didn't accidently spoil the surprise 10 minutes before the reveal. A little advice for those of you wanting to do a gender reveal: 1) do the reveal as soon as you can after finding out  2) do the big reveal as soon as everyone gets to your house  3) just avoid talking about the baby until you reveal.

Josh and I both accidently spilled the beans at dinner with our friends Beth and Brad on Friday by using the word "she" in a conversation. They promised they would act surprised on Saturday at the reveal and pretend they had no idea, but that didn't matter because 10 minutes before the last 5 friends got to our house for the reveal I spilled the beans again to the entire room by using the word "her"!!!!!

So the big reveal was only big for the last 5 people that weren't in the room when I gave it away, but it was still a BLAST!!!!


So here's what we did.....

Well of course we had to start out by wearing some sort of costume! We decided it was only proper to wear onsies to honor our little one!

 We call our group of friends "Team Turkey" so it was only fitting that we give our little "turkeytot" (thank you Beth for the wonderful nickname) an initiation outfit.

We got all of our friends to gather outside and gave them each a can of silly string (we took off the caps and covered the labels so they didn't know what color it was). Everyone who thought it was a boy stood on one side and everyone who thought it was a girl stood on the other side. When we said "go" they had a huge silly string fight and the color of the silly string told them the sex of the baby!

They think it's a boy

They think it's a girl



 IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!

We are happy to announce that we will be welcoming Jordan Willow Thomas into the world at the beginning of April! Chance can't wait to meet his little sister!

 

 

 

 

Challenge yourself this week and try a new workout or workout class!!!